How Communication Takes Place: Communication Models

In a bid to offer inputs to a standard system and ensure effective communication in the corporate landscape, a myriad of tools classified into one-way communication, transactional and interactive models have made their way to the fore for the sole purpose of propagating messages over a medium at targeted audiences. These conceptual modules reflect communication as an interactive dialogue between two entities thereby visually representing the communicating process. This is “How communication takes place' essay in which such models shown as systematic representations detailing how communication takes place. 

Linear Models 

To start “how does communication take place” essay we will begin with linear models. This model refers to the process of one-way communication whereby a message is transmitted from a sender to a receiver for the purpose of informing, persuading or commanding. In business syntax, it has a straightforward outfit dedicated to communication-driven efforts.

One of the best examples available in the fraternity is Aristotle’s model of communication that sheds light upon the elements: Speaker, speech, occasion, audience and effect. While the speaker is deemed the most important role, his or her part is to disseminate constructive messages to a targeted audience that is passive and influenced by the speech thus making the entire process simplex.

In application of this model to the writer who is a renowned master of ceremonies, toastmaster and motivational speaker, he does justice to the letter by upholding the golden rule to excel in public speaking efforts, seminars, lectures through making his point clear by designing an impressive content, passing on the message to the second part to be responded. As the Greek philosopher points out, there are three elements – ethos, pathos and logos – present in an effective communicator which are related and interdependent which are evidently reflected through the writer.

As for the justification of the aforementioned attributes, it is noteworthy that the writer hails from a professional and sound educational background and having proved multisectoral excellence, the writer commands immense respect. With two honorary doctorates and a multitude of national and international accolades, the writer is considered highly credible and resourceful in any strata of society. Hence, he could persuade diverse audiences irrespective of their calibre.

Furthermore, the writer comfortably establishes links with individuals of different capacities owing to his intellect and industrial prowess. The writer’s commanding but clear articulation, coupled with a sprinkle of emotions embodied in a robust stature captivate any audience making them feel as if he is one of their own. Moreover, the write’s logical reasoning facet banks trust in people thus making them buy his word. Presentation of factual evidence to justify claims has always reflected the writer’s industrial know-how and professional acumen.

Some other models that could be perused to gain a deeper understanding on linear communication are Lasswell’s Model, Shannon Weaver and Model Berlo’s S-M-C-R.

Transactional Model

Transactional refers to the exchange of messages between a sender and a receiver where each take turns. This model becomes effective when participants share similar environments and social systems with reactions based on phenomena including social reality, cultural upbringing, relational context (relationships), background, experience, attitudes, self-esteem and so forth, thus assuming communicators to be independent and interdependent.

Interestingly, non-verbal communication such as gestures are also considered as feedback. Different models that follow transactional model of communication are Barnlund’s Transactional Model, Helical Model and Becker’s Mosaic Model. However, there are various factors hampering the communication process including communication barriers and environmental noise – physical, physiological and psychological.

When aforementioned aspects are related to the writer, it should be noted that in the social context upholding norms, values, laws and restrictions to communicate within a specific limit, personal communication is reshaped. The writer learns communication from trial and error method. In the cultural context defining the lifestyle and identity of the writer, several factors like caste, class, race and ethnicity promote communication.

Nevertheless, the writer ensure such elements do not impede the process of communication. Although everyone belongs to a particular cultural outfit, the writer tends to mingle with diverse cultural groups to foster effective communication. The writer has dedicated himself in various ways to this phenomenon and actively taken part as a stakeholder of promoting this comprehensive and inclusive school of thought.

Interactive Communication Model 

Interactive communication model is also known as the convergence model. According to this model, exchange of ideas and messages takes place both ways form sender to receiver and vice versa. The communication process occurs between humans or machines in both verbal and non-verbal ways. The sender channels a message to the receiver and the receiver then becomes the sender and channels a message to the original sender.

It emphasizes feedback indicating that communication is not a one-way but a two-way process. Instead of information being sent one way, from the sender to the receiver, both participants send information back and forth. Wilbur Schramm, a scholar and an authority on communication, also proposed that both the sender and receiver interpret the message, rather than accurately assessing the message’s meaning. In this model, however, feedback is not simultaneous and usually takes time as this model is mostly used for Internet.

Interactive model or convergence model is similar to transactional model as they are both two way communication model. But, interactive model is mostly used for new media like internet. Here, people can respond to any mass communications like videos, news, etc. People can exchange their views and ideas. Different models that follow interactive model of communication is Schramm’s Interactive Model. 

Other Theories

Actor-Network Theory (ANT), Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST), Agenda Setting Theory, Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory, Confirmation Bias, Constructivism, Cultivation Theory, Face Negotiation Theory, Genderlect, Symbolic Interactionism Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Dance’s Helical Spiral of Communication, Westley and MacLean’s Conceptual Model.

Conclusion

In the essay about communication process were analysed three main models of effective communication. Models denoting the process metaphorically and in symbols form perspectives by breaking communication from complex to simple and keeping relevant components in order.